Germany's last generation aims to revive climate protests

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Deutsche Welle or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The Last Generation, a climate activist group, disrupted operations at Frankfurt and Cologne/Bonn airports by gluing themselves to runways
• This protest, aimed at highlighting the urgency of climate action, coincided with the start of Germany's summer vacation period, causing significant travel disruptions

🔭 The context: Formed in 2021, Last Generation sees itself as the final chance to prevent catastrophic climate change
• The group is known for its direct action tactics, including road and runway blockades, and has been criticized by some for the inconvenience and damage these actions cause

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: These actions underscore the ongoing tension between urgent climate action and public sentiment, especially in times of economic strain
• The protests aim to draw attention to what the activists see as insufficient government measures against climate change

⏭️ What's next: In response to the disruptions, the German government plans to amend the Aviation Security Act to increase penalties for such actions, with potential imprisonment for those impairing civil air traffic security

💬 One quote: "We are the last generation that can do something about [climate change]," said activist Lina Johnson

📈 One stat: Last Generation has an estimated 500 to 600 members in Germany

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